LINGUIST List 16.2806: Re: Phonology, Mysterious /s/

LINGUIST List 16.2806
Thu Sep 29 2005 Disc: Re: Phonology, Mysterious /s/ Editor for this issue: Ann Sawyer <sawyerlinguistlist.org>
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Directory 1. Dinha T. Gorgis, Re: 16-2712, Phonology, Mysterious /s/ Message 1: Re: 16-2712, Phonology, Mysterious /s/
Date: 26-Sep-2005 From: Dinha T. Gorgis <gorgis_3yahoo.co.uk> Subject: Re: 16-2712, Phonology, Mysterious /s/ [Re: LINGUIST 16.2712, Phonology: Mysterious /s/ http://linguistlist.org/issues/16/16-2712.html] Dear researcher, Standard Arabic prohibits both s+C and V+s+C. Not only this, but it prohibits consonant cluster formation save at word-final position in case the speaker wishes to pause whereby only a CC is allowed. And this expains the failure of Arabs learning English to produce CCC and CCCC clusters at all word-positions. Assyrian, as spoken today, permits s+C (whether voiced or voiceless), though genetically related, e.g. /spa:y/ 'good or well'(with noticeable loss of aspiration, like English); /smo:qa/ 'red' (with a devoiced m). I believe it is a matter of habit formation; never biological and never universal! Best, Prof. Dinha T. Gorgis Hashemite University, Jordan Linguistic Field(s): General Linguistics Genetic Classification Historical Linguistics Linguistic Theories Morphology Phonetics Phonology Typology Respond to list\|Read more issues\|LINGUIST home page\|Top of issue

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